Launched in December 2024, the Kolwezi–Sakabinda road project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to reshape regional trade and mineral exports. Spanning 53.6 kilometers, the road is expected to be completed by 2027 at an estimated cost of $159 million, according to a report following a site visit by the Congolese Minister of Infrastructure on June 10. The project is being executed through a public-private partnership (PPP)
Category: Central Africa
DRC and Cameroon Push Forward on Kribi–Zongo Trade Corridor to Boost Regional Connectivity
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Cameroon are accelerating plans to operationalize the Kribi–Zongo trade corridor—a strategic logistics route intended to link the deepwater port of Kribi in Cameroon to northern DRC via the Central African Republic (CAR). The project aims to streamline freight transport to and from one of the most geographically isolated regions of the DRC. On June 11, 2025, Congolese Ambassador to Cameroon, Pierre Kashadile Bukasa
EU Invests €40 Million to Modernize Douala-N’Djamena Trade Corridor
The European Union has committed €40 million to upgrade the Douala-N’Djamena trade corridor, a key route connecting Douala, Cameroon’s largest port, to N’Djamena, the capital of Chad. This investment is aimed at boosting trade, transport efficiency, and regional integration across Central Africa. The funding is part of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which promotes sustainable infrastructure by mobilizing both public and private financing. For this corridor, the EU has partnered
Kinshasa Launches Traffic Reform to Tackle Urban Congestion
The provincial government of Kinshasa is embarking on a landmark reform of urban traffic in a bid to ease chronic congestion on the capital’s roads. Starting Monday, May 19, 2025, new mobility restrictions will come into effect for trucks and private vehicles. These changes, initially leaked on social media, were confirmed as authentic by the Governor’s office. “The Governor’s Office confirms the authenticity of the traffic regulation document currently circulating
DRC’s LMC Revives Maritime Ambitions with Acquisition of Two New Vessels
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the state-owned maritime company Lignes Maritimes Congolaises (LMC) is preparing to expand its fleet with the acquisition of two new vessels, according to Board Chairman Lambert Mende Omalanga. The announcement was made on May 6 in Matadi following a meeting with Kongo Central Governor Grâce Bilolo. “I came to inform Governor Bilolo that we are in the process of acquiring two vessels to
DRC Revives Maritime Sovereignty with Acquisition of Two Vessels
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is taking a significant step toward rebuilding its maritime capacity, with Lignes Maritimes Congolaises (LMC) set to acquire two vessels. The announcement was made by LMC Board Chairman Lambert Mende during a meeting with Kongo Central Governor Grâce Bilolo on May 5, 2025. “I came to inform the Governor that we are acquiring two floating units to improve operations at our provincial directorate,” Mende
DRC Launches Tender to Revive Key Northeastern Railway Corridor
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has launched an international tender to restore and modernize the Bumba–Aketi–Buta–Mungbere railway, an 870-kilometre line in the northeastern part of the country. The tender was officially announced on May 2, 2025, by the Ministry of Transport in Kinshasa. This narrow-gauge railway (0.60 meters), with rails ranging from 18 to 33 kg/m, was once a backbone of the regional economy, transporting agricultural and
DRC’s Ilebo Port Reopens After Fire Damage and Infrastructure Upgrades
The Port of Ilebo, located in Kasaï Province, has resumed operations following extensive rehabilitation efforts. On April 30, Operations Coordinator Willy Mizumu announced the arrival of the first vessel since the port was shut down, delivering 1,000 tonnes of cement. The port had been out of service since July, when it was severely damaged by a fire. Restoration efforts included the reactivation of the thermal power plant and the installation
Lobito Corridor: A Strategic Leap for African-Led Infrastructure and Regional Trade
The recent signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Zambia and Angola marks a pivotal milestone in the development of the Lobito Corridor—one of Africa’s most ambitious and transformative infrastructure initiatives. Witnessed by the highest levels of both governments, the agreement affirms a joint commitment to develop, finance, construct, and operate an 830-kilometre railway from Luacano in Angola to Chingola in Zambia. For decades, Africa’s capacity to independently envision and
Loano Airport Modernization Project Launched in Lubumbashi
The long-awaited modernization of Loano Airport in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga officially kicked off on April 18, 2025. The project is being executed by Summa Group, a Turkish construction and infrastructure firm. Selim Bora, Chairman and CEO of Summa, presented the project to President Félix Tshisekedi, who laid the symbolic foundation stone to mark the start of construction. While the presidency confirmed the Congolese government had contracted a specialized firm for the